Jack McInerney took 42 shots for the Union last season, 34 of them wide, or high or into a midsection of a goalkeeper, which is the position Nick Sakiewicz used to play. That’s why the Union’s CEO knew the difference between quality chances and useless attempts, and why it was best to take another kind of shot.

The Union was 10-18-6 last season, third from the bottom of the MLS standings. But there was something about McInerney that gave him industry-wide appeal. Maybe it was because he was typically around whatever good plays the Union did make. Maybe it was because he was 19. Maybe it was because MLS was underestimating Sakiewicz’s commitment to a long-term plan, not to settle for the first opportunity to kick talent away.

“We have a lot of good, young players,” said Sakiewicz, the Glen Mills resident. “It’s the way we continue to build our brand. So, yes, there was interest in them — a lot of interest.”

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There was interest in McInerney, but the Union remained committed to the striker from Tennessee, the team’s top pick in the 2010 SuperDraft. For that, the Union have the leading scorer in MLS and a growing rarity in Philadelphia pro sports, a young star with superstar potential.

“It’s a process of confidence and experience,” Sakiewicz said. “We drafted Jack as a 17-year-old boy and today he is a 20-year-old man. He’s learned a lot. He has had some ups and downs. And he is not the finished product yet. But if he keeps his head grounded and continues to improve his game he will fulfill all that promise.”

The Union are in Year 4 of a building process, and are the only Philadelphia major-league franchise with a current winning record. McInerney, 20, scored in the 75th minute, and keeper Zac MacMath, 21, shut out the Fire, 1-0, Saturday in Chicago. That would be the same MacMath who was the victim of too many curious goals last season, not that Sakiewicz ever raised an eyebrow.

“That is part of being in the business a long time,” Sakiewicz said. “Sometimes you see something in young players that other people don’t. But to be fair, it’s a numbers game. And for every Jack Mac, there is a handful of players that don’t pan out for you. No one has a 100 percent hit-rating on young players. But we have Sheanon Williams, who is 23. Amobi Okugo is 22 and is one of the best center backs in the league. The Farfan twins (Michael and Gabriel) are 25. Jack Mac is 20, Daniel Cruz 23. The list goes on and on.”

McInerney has seven goals, including all four of the game-winners for the Union, which have lost just one of their last five. Doesn’t that give Sakiewicz’s Kick Kids a shot at scoring with some grumpy fans of those other four sputtering Philadelphia major-league teams?

“No, I don’t think so,” Sakiewicz said. “Our fans love the Union for the Union’s sake. I prefer all the teams doing well, because then the whole town is excited about sports. When we were launching in 2010, the Phillies had just won the World Series, the Flyers were in the Stanley Cup finals, the Eagles were in the playoffs, and there was a great buzz about sports.”

That buzz has become a snarl. But the Union and its league-leading scorer will host the defending MLS champion L.A. Galaxy Wednesday in Chester. And hasn’t it been too long since a foaming-mouth “Beat L.A.” chant has broken out?

Converting on chances … the key to soccer success.

“We know that every game is an opportunity for us to make a statement,” Sakiewicz said. “It’s nice to have the defending champions here for extra motivation. So far, we are just doing what we can, knocking them off, one at a time. It’s not easy in this league, which is so closely matched. So I don’t take anything for granted.

“It’s still early.”

But at least the Union is taking — and converting — its very best chances.